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How many times has a friend or family member asked you what that thing on your guitar is? Or why do you always move it at the beginning or end of every song? Quite a few times, right?

People who don’t know anything about playing the guitar are fascinated by such accessories. But those who do don’t give much importance to the best guitar capo.

Not all guitar capos are the same. A bad capo requires you to constantly re-adjust it, which can be distracting and even frustrating at times.

But the good ones are not like that. So it’s time to get to know them a little better, don’t you think?

Best Guitar Capo 2021

Capos are useful accessories for all styles of guitar. In fact, they are so important that a bad capo has the ability to mess with your tonality, tuning, and instrument. But the ten different options listed below don’t do that.>

1. G7th Performance 2 Silver Capo 6-String – The Best Innovative Guitar Capo

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Getting your hands on revolutionary products offers exceptional advantages. And that is what you should expect with the G7th Performance 2 Silver Capo 6-String. The innovative working mechanism of the thing enables accurate placement as well as clamping without messing with the tune.

There are many features that you might fall in love with. For one, the G7th Performance 2 Capo is a tool that you can easily squeeze into place using only one hand. And you can just as quickly and effortlessly release this best guitar capo with the help of the lever located at the back.

A good capo is not only an accessory that offers excellent functionality and durability. But it is also one that you can store easily even when it’s not in use. You will also be glad to know that the G7th Performance 2 Capo is suitable for both electric and acoustic guitars.

Now it’s time to bring out the big guns! Let’s talk about this best guitar capo’s unique clutch mechanism. This particular feature consists of three elements; the fixed hub, the moving hub, the spring. The spring of the capo has an internal diameter that’s slightly lower than the fixed and moving hubs’ external diameter.

And why am I telling you this? It’s because you need to understand that when the spring exerts force, it positively engages both the hubs. This makes the process of opening and tightening the capo smoother and easier. And at the time of release, the spring unwinds to let go of the clutch.

When it comes to buying guitar capos, size matters, doesn’t it? So you will be relieved to know that the G7th Performance 2 Capo doesn’t have a large design. It stays far from getting in your way. And that just means total comfort during playing.

If you’re one of those guitarists that tend to move the capo while playing, then this might be an ideal choice for you. But do you know why? That’s because the G7th Performance 2 Capo offers quick-change capability. Plus, there’s no fret buzz. So that’s good news, isn’t it?

When using any guitar capo for the first time, it’s important to adjust the thing correctly. So with the G7th Performance 2 Capo, you have to attach it well on your first string side. Securing it properly is a must. And to make things better, the manufacturer has created a finger indentation at the backside of its neck.

Once this happens, you won’t have anything negative to say about the G7th Performance 2 Capo.

But I have something disappointing to share with you. This guitar capo does rank high when it comes to functionality, but it carries a single flaw. The thumb lever of the tool doesn’t release smoothly. So you might end up fumbling with your guitar capo while releasing and pulling it off.

Single-handed operation.
​The capo keeps the instrument’s intonation intact.
It comes with a thumb indentation to provide more comfort.

Detaching this capo is not an easy task.

2. xGuitarx Guitar Capo Acoustic and Electric Guitars – The Best Lightweight Spring-Loaded Guitar Capo

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When a capo has an aircraft-grade aluminum construction, you can expect it to be optimally light of weight. And that’s what you get with the xGuitarx Guitar Capo. It’s better when the tool is not too bulky, hence not distracting, right?

Even though the guitar capo has a standard design, it provides an exceptionally consistent performance level. Thanks to the use of top quality materials. And this doesn’t make the capo an expensive pick to buy. In fact, the price tag of the thing is quite affordable, and that’s pretty impressive, isn’t it?

You will be glad to know that this best guitar capo has two colors to offer. But this is only a visually appealing advantage. What about other functionality-related features?

You won’t be disappointed when it comes to protecting your guitar from being subjected to damage due to the capo. And that’s because this little device consists of sufficient padding. So it doesn’t mess with the finish of your precious instrument.

The presence of a spring-loaded style clamp is also another noteworthy feature. What it does is exert just the right amount of consistent pressure on your guitar’s strings. And the equipment has a high-quality feel to it, so you know that it won’t fall apart anytime soon.

Now, let me tell you about the high performance of the xGuitarx Guitar Capo. It can stay in tune and that too with an excellent intonation across all frets. The tool is super-fast when it comes to changing between frets. And we all know how incredibly comfortable and convenient that can be, right?

What’s so great about the xGuitarx Guitar Capo is the ergonomics. The thing has an inverted design, so it lies at the fretboard’s bottom region. And that makes it easy for you to move the capo quickly.

Also, the ridges present on the guitar capo build a pretty tight connection. And that’s always a huge advantage.

The part that might let you down is the spring of the capo. The clamp is slightly on the weak side, which means that it tends to give rise to buzzing. But this is something that you can easily eliminate by making a few adjustments.

The silicone pad protects the guitar against damage.
Durable construction.
The spring offers a stable, secure fit.

Lever handles are not wide enough.
Spring clamp causes buzzing on certain strings.

3. Kyser KG6B 6 String Capo – The Best Quick Change Guitar Capo

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The Kyser KG6B 6 String Capo has a modern design and functionality. That’s what sets it apart from the others on the list. It comes with a simple spring clamp mechanism instead of the tension knob. Such a feature gives you the opportunity to attach and detach the capo from the instrument in no time.

About the spring-loaded style mechanism, you will be quite relieved to know that the system has a consistent nature. And that means you won’t get different results each time you install the capo on the guitar.

The spring exerts an optimal amount of pressure on the neck of your guitar, which is where you usually mount it. That allows you to shorten the neck in a quick manner that works every time.

This best guitar capo has quite a big reputation on the market. And it’s not just the performance that’s responsible for it. The lightweight yet robust aluminum construction also contributes to the popularity. It’s important that you use a capo that doesn’t come in the way during playing.

Let me tell you a little more about the spring-tensioned clamp since it offers such an exceptional quick-change benefit. This particular feature clamps in a firm manner, which does an excellent job at holding intonation. At the same time, you can quickly release it for easy repositioning without messing with the tuning.

And here’s another best part about the thing. You can access the quick-change component using only one hand. On top of that, the guitar capo does not interfere with your fingering movements. And it comes with pads, which are responsible for preventing the capo from reacting with or marring the guitar finishes.

Upon reviewing so many guitar capos, I found the Kyser KG6B 6 String Capo to be incredibly appealing in all aspects. There are only a few on the market that look so good and last for such a long time while also making it easy for you to use them.

And that’s not it. The Kyser KG6B 6 String Capo also does a swell job at holding tunes just how you like it. So there are many reasons why you should buy this best guitar capo.

Now, the downside. Well, fortunately, there is only one with the Kyser KG6B Quick Change Capo. And it comes in the form of a short and shallow gripping ability. And this, on particular types of guitars, can make the process of grasping and opening the capo a tad too difficult.

Sturdy quality, which means maximum durability.
Suitable for guitars with a wide neck.

The grip of this capo is not good.
Non-adjustable spring tension.

4. Shubb S1 Stainless Steel Guitar Capo – The Best Affordable Traditional Guitar Capo

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When it comes to buying the best guitar capo with a budget-friendly price tag, there’s nothing better than this. The equipment has an old school design, which means that it doesn’t mount on your guitar like the new capos.

The Shubb S1 Stainless Steel Guitar Capo comes with the adjustment knob. This particular element determines how much pressure the capo can apply to the neck. Such a characteristic offers exceptional consistency irrespective of where you decide to place the tool.

Even though it’s an affordable option, you don’t have to worry about the quality. The solid stainless steel build is something that you might appreciate for a very long time.

You should also know that the Shubb S1 Stainless Steel Guitar Capo has a unique roller design. Such an element makes the process of opening and closing the capo smooth and easy. It even keeps the useful accessory from being subjected to wear and tear. Plus, the restyled lever design makes it easy for you to handle the capo.

What you might appreciate the most is the fact that you don’t need to retune strings frequently. Thanks to the optimal pressure the guitar capo applies. This also contributes to reducing fret buzz, which is a huge plus point.

The Shubb S1 Stainless Steel Guitar Capo is suitable for both electric and acoustic guitars. The thing is quick and easy to mount. And it also offers tons of hand room for fretting, even for those with bigger hands.

The practical design of the capo allows precise adjustments and non-interfering clipping. You will also be glad to know that the wheel locking mechanism is a feature that you can use for all types of necks. So secure and precise adjustment doesn’t seem like a pipe dream now, does it?

You know the guitar capo is great when you can quickly put it on, take it off, as well as adjust. What this tells you is that the Shubb S1 Stainless Steel Guitar Capo does its job well. In fact, the device offers quick, easy adjustability. And such a benefit makes the whole experience of using a capo incredibly pleasant and comfortable.

The thumb portion of the Shubb capo is not small enough. And that’s the only issue as it tends to interfere with the speed and accuracy of the tool. Also, such a disadvantage doesn’t give you the opportunity to mount the capo anywhere else but the center of the fret.

Strong, durable construction.
It offers a tight fit.
Lack of handles keeps the capo from getting in your way.

The capo thumb is a tad too big.

5. Top Stage Acoustic/Electric Guitar Capo Clamp – The Best Guitar Capo for Beginners

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As a newbie, it’s important that you don’t spend a lot on equipment like this. But that doesn’t mean buying a product that has a cheap quality, and that won’t last for a long time. Keeping this in mind, the Top Stage Acoustic/Electric Guitar Capo Clamp is an affordable and highly efficient tool.

The capo has a partial plastic and partial metal construction. But don’t let this lead you to believe that it’s incapable of exerting the required amount of pressure on the guitar’s neck. Because that’s not the case with the Top Stage Acoustic/Electric Guitar Capo. It applies enough force to be listed down as one of the best capos for your guitar.

The accessory has a lightweight yet durable design quality. And the best part about it is that it clamps in an incredibly secure manner so as to maintain intonation. You can release as well as reposition the capo quite effortlessly. And this happens without it interfering with tuning. Isn’t that impressive?

To make things even better, the Top Stage Acoustic/Electric Guitar Capo offers a quick-change working mechanism. And you can easily access this with only a single hand. So now you know how comfortable and convenient it is to use this guitar capo.

Sometimes certain types of capos tend to give rise to buzzing on certain strings. But this is something that you don’t need to worry about with the Top Stage Acoustic/Electric Guitar Capo. Even when using electric guitars.

The strong spring does an excellent job at holding down strings of your guitar without any difficulty. Another great feature is the great rubber pad that’s suitable for flat-type fretboards as well.

The thing about using the Top Stage Acoustic/Electric Guitar Capo is that it doesn’t cause any fret buzz. Now this is something that many guitar players have to deal with when using a capo, right? So it comes as a huge relief to know that this particular tool doesn’t give rise to such an annoying problem.

So what’s the issue with the Top Stage Acoustic/Electric Guitar Capo? It’s the guitar capo’s spring mechanism. This particular component is highly susceptible to falling apart after a few months of use. And this is where durability takes a hit.

The hard spring provides a secure grip.
​The capo clamps as well as releases quickly.
The optimal tension it produces results in crisp sounds.

It is slightly on the bulkier side.
The spring clamp tends to loosen up with time.

6. Planet Waves NS Guitar Capo – The Best Versatile Guitar Capo

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The best part about the Planet Waves NS Guitar Capo is that it consists of multiple innovative as well as easy to operate options. And such a characteristic is suitable for a broad range of instruments along with player preferences.

This best guitar capo comes with adjustable micrometer tension to offer an in-tune, buzz-free performance at each fret. And you will love the fact that you can make the most of the tool by using only one hand.

The Planet Waves NS Guitar Capo is one of those models that fit well on both electric and acoustic guitars.

Playing and staying in tune are two crucial aspects when it comes to using a guitar with a capo, right? So keeping this in mind, the manufacturer has created an exclusive design. It allows every guitarist to refine the capo’s tension falling on the fretboard.

And what this does is deliver a buzz-free experience, that too across all the strings. At the same time, it prevents the strings from pulling sharp due to over-tensioning.

You should know that with such an advantage your fretboard remains in good condition, which might save you a lot of money. Since we’re on that subject, let me bring to your notice that the Planet Waves NS Guitar Capo has an aircraft-quality aluminum construction. This makes the tool robust enough to stand the test of time.

Working with a guitar capo that doesn’t have a spring-loaded clamp is not as bad as people claim it to be. All thanks to capos like the Planet Waves NS. Once you tighten the knob, the tool secures the guitar’s strings quite evenly. And this tension is also pretty strong. That means you can use the capo for instruments other than the guitar as well.

The most impressive aspect of such a feature is this. You don’t even have to go through the trouble of tightening the guitar capo completely. And that’s because it offers adjustable pressure functionality.

The only major problem with the Planet Waves NS Guitar Capo lies with the screw mechanism. To open the knob, if you twist it far enough, it tends to fall off. So this might be quite a bit of a nuisance at first. But working with the thing on a regular basis will avoid the over-twisting habit.

Suitable for fifth fret as well without causing any buzzing.
​Single-handed application.
Adjustable pressure adds more efficiency to the capo.

The little knob is slightly difficult to work with.

7. Nordic Essentials Guitar Capo Deluxe – The Best Guitar Capo in Terms of Usability

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If you’re looking for a capo that works like a charm, then look no more. The Nordic Essentials Guitar Capo Deluxe has a high-quality design with a lustrous and deep finish. All you have to do is squeeze the grip for the tool to open quickly. And to make the experience even better, it offers an optimal fit on your guitar’s neck.

The amount of pressure that the little accessory exerts is sufficient enough to hold the strings in place. On top of that, the addition of thick felt under the bar of the capo snuggles well next to the fret.

So you don’t need to wrap anything around your instrument’s neck. Just squeeze, attach the guitar capo on top of the fret, and then release. No more adjustments required. And what does that tell you? It means that this best guitar capo offers quick release functionality, which is something that you might not find with most models.

Other notable characteristics include a solid grip with rubber insulators. The rubber component, in particular, is considered to be incredibly useful. Because what it does is prevents the capo from damaging the instrument.

You might also appreciate the design of the handles. These are located below the neck, which means they’re not in the way. So if you’re looking for a capo upgrade, then the Nordic Essentials Guitar Capo is what you need to focus on.

What’s to love about the product is the lightweight design and spring force. The former makes it easy for you to use the tool without any difficulty or distraction. And the latter goes a long way in exerting equal tension on the strings during playing.

The Nordic Essentials Guitar Capo is a great capo, but it does have a small drawback. If you leave it on your strings for too long, the little thing tends to exert excessive tension. And it can also pull your instrument off tune. So it’s important and necessary that you take it off after playing and clamp it to the headstock.

The padding offers excellent scratch resistance.
The pistol-grip shape keeps the capo out of the way.

Not suitable for 12 strings.
Leaving it on the guitar for too long after use is a bad idea.

8. Dunlop 83CS Acoustic Trigger Capo – The Best Guitar Capo for a High-Performance Level

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Let me begin by stating that Dunlop manufactures only intuitive and superior quality products. These have the ability to improve a musician’s playing experience. And you will be glad to know that the Dunlop 83CS Acoustic Trigger Capo is no different.

This best guitar capo offers accurate, positive clamping. Such a characteristic is suitable for curved-style fingerboards. The most impressive quality of the tool is its scratch-free feature. This way your guitar doesn’t have to bear any damage.

But it’s the low-profile of the Dunlop 83CS Acoustic Trigger Capo that you might appreciate the most. And that’s because what it does is keep the capo from getting in the way of your fingers.

Another huge benefit that you can enjoy with this useful accessory is quick and easy key changes. And this is something that you can achieve even without re-tuning. What does that imply? It means that you’re using a top quality guitar capo.

Now it’s time to discuss the build of the capo. The tool has an aircraft-grade aluminum construction. This means lightweight design but maximum reliability. So you know that the Dunlop 83CS Acoustic Trigger Capo can last for many years.

The fit of the tool is also exceptional. The capo fits tight on your 6-string guitar. It comes with ample padding that eliminates the possibility of marring the instrument’s neck. And to make the experience even more pleasant, the strong spring mechanism enables easy movement and removal of the capo with just one hand.

As a guitar player, you want to use a capo with a comfortable spring/trigger action, right? So that’s what you get with the Dunlop 83CS Acoustic Trigger Capo. This allows you to maneuver the tool quickly. And it also offers an exceptionally high string hold.

The clamping capacity of the Dunlop 83CS Acoustic Trigger Capo may be firm, but it constitutes as a drawback too. That’s because it’s a little too firm. Such a feature gives rise to sharpening on heavier strings.

Durable rubber padding.
Easy attachment, removal, and adjustment features.

The clamp-down of the Dunlop capo is too firm on lower strings.

9. Nordic Essentials Aluminum Metal Universal Guitar Capo – The Bonus Pick

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Every list is incomplete without that one product that ranks the highest in all aspects. I like to call this pick the all-rounder. And with the best guitar capo, it’s the Nordic Essentials Aluminum Metal Universal Guitar Capo.

The tool is something that you can use with not only classical, electric, and acoustic guitars. But also mandolin, banjo, bass, and ukulele. Isn’t that impressive?

Another noteworthy feature is the easy and quick release and reposition system. This doesn’t require the use of both your hands, and it doesn’t even disturb tuning. So that’s a huge advantage, isn’t it?

You will love the fact that that this best guitar capo is light in weight as well as durable. And the high-grade aluminum design makes the small unit robust and long-lasting. So there’s nothing that you need to worry about here.

What might excite you the most about this particular capo is that you can use it with both 6 and 12-string instruments. Plus, the silicone pads do an excellent job at protecting your precious guitar.

The thing to like the most about this guitar capo is that it securely holds the strings. Thanks to the tool’s trigger mechanism that exerts maximum tension.

You might be wondering that with so many incredible features what’s not to like about the Nordic Essentials Aluminum Metal Universal Guitar Capo. Well, there is one thing. And that’s the lack of tension adjustment, which tends to leave marks on your frets.

The clamping force of the Nordic Essentials capo is exceptional.
High-quality construction, hence durable.

No tension control.

Guitar Capo Buyer’s Guide

Using a capo might feel like cheating. I mean if you can play the instrument without even touching a guitar capo, then you deserve extra points. But, as a musician, you should know that some keys require tons of practice. And that’s because they are tough to play, right?

So at such times, ask yourself a question. What matters more; being able to play your favorite songs or satisfying your pride by not using a capo? I’m sure the answer is the former. At least that’s what it was in my case.

A guitar capo has the ability to take your playing to an entirely new level. With such a transformation comes greater enjoyment, which increases the number and span of practice sessions. And this means an improvement in your skill level.

But What is a Guitar Capo and Why do You Need One?

A capo gives you the opportunity to change the various keys without having to move your fingers to switch positions. This helps in achieving a more proper fit when it comes to your register. So you don’t need to relearn the tune in another position.

The majority of guitar players use a capo for sharp/flattened keys. You can even use one for fingerstyle song arrangements. Or when you’re accompanying a vocalist, and you want to opt for the finger picking technique.

What to Look for in the Best Guitar Capo?

The first factor that we all take into consideration with all types of products is price, isn’t it? So it’s important that you buy a guitar capo that doesn’t cost too much money. And if you’re a beginner, it’s best to invest in an affordable option.

But you should know that not all budget-friendly guitar capos have a poor quality. And the ones that do come with mechanisms that tend to wear out sooner than you can imagine.

This means that such a capo will not be able to hold down the strings in a tight manner. So at such times, it becomes difficult to create and sustain a pleasant tone.

But something like this only happens if you use the guitar capo regularly for a couple of years. If not the best but at least a decent quality capo will last for more than three years with a little less than regular use.

The second characteristic to take into account is the material. Guitar capos have a metal design with either a plastic or foam covering. This is the point where the guitar neck comes in contact with the capo. It consists of a flexible tightening system.

Such a feature prevents the guitar capo from damaging your instrument or falling apart. All you need to do with it is set the most suitable tension to avoid re-tuning the guitar after attaching the capo.

All in all, the majority of capos have a straightforward and rugged design. Since these accessories have been a part of the industry for so long, their structure and functionality meet every guitarist’s expectations. So when it comes to quality, you don’t need to worry about it so much.

Frequently Asked Questions about Guitar Capos

1. Can the Guitar Capo Hurt the Instrument?

Clamping any accessory onto the guitar doesn’t sound like such a good idea now, does it? So if you’re wondering if the best guitar capo will damage your instrument, then that makes complete sense.

But you should know that guitar capo manufacturing companies are equally worried as you are about guitar damage. And that is why capos consist of sufficient padding. Such a feature eliminates the chances of ruining your guitar.

Just make it a point to take off the capo when you’re storing the instrument. Failing to do so does more than only damage the guitar. It tends to put the device off-tune.

2. What’s Better: Spring-Loaded or C-Clamp Guitar Capo?

Both rank high when it comes to durability. But it’s the holding capacity of the C-clamp guitar capo that you might appreciate more. The spring-loaded capo, on the other hand, is quite finicky to work with. But the C-clamp version takes longer to attach to the instrument.

If what matters to you the most is ease of use, then the spring guitar capo is an ideal choice for you. It’s because such a clamp is comparatively easier to put on. What’s not to like about it is the large design. This might tend to get in the way during playing.

Also, when working with the spring-loaded capo, you have to line it up correctly to maintain the tune of the guitar. And this can be a little difficult to achieve.

So what’s better here? The spring-loaded guitar capo is considered to be more popular than its C-clamp counterpart. Thanks to its single-handed operation. You will also find models that come with such a feature along with the C-clamp locking design to provide you with the best of both worlds.

Wrapping It Up

My Choice: G7th Performance 2 Capo

In the end, what you need to know is that the best guitar capo is a fun accessory that gives you the opportunity to do more with your instrument. It expands the scope of your guitar, which is always a great idea, isn’t it?

The different models listed above are considered to be the top options available on the market. But the best one so far is the G7th Performance 2 Capo. It is the only model that has such an incredibly innovative design. You can use it with electric and acoustic guitars.

The unique clutch mechanism of the tool is what contributes to its popularity. It enables you to adjust the thing without even re-tuning the guitar.

And you can easily squeeze it into place using only a single hand. Even releasing it is a quick, one-handed process. And to make things better, the manufacturer has given it a robust and stable zinc-alloy design.

So go ahead and pick the best guitar capo to transform every playing session into an excellent performance.

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